It’s been called “the west’s most beautiful, least visited national park.” Located just over four hours northeast of San Francisco, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a 166-square-mile wonderland full of smoldering mud pots, steaming sulfur vents, and dormant volcanoes. Unlike Yosemite and the other parks further South, there were no crowds at the entrance gates and we seldom passed another hiker on the trails. 

Where I Camped:

Butte Creek
GPS: 40.615054, -121.297687
Elevation: 5554′
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What a find! This spot had everything I look for in a campsite: privacy, flowing water, plenty of firewood, and beautiful views. We snagged a little nook along the road just before the official campground. To get there: After you turn onto Forest Rte 32N21, drive a couple miles down until you start seeing thick green shrubs on the right side of the road. This is the creek! There are two pull-offs… the second one cozies right up to the water.

Where I Worked:

McDonalds
3343 Main St
Mammoth Lakes, CA 96013

Ah, McDonalds. Gotta love it… and loathe it at the same time. Here’s the thing about Mickey Dees: It’s loud, and chaotic, and it reeks of greasey potatoes. But it always, always has reliable wifi. This McDonalds was fairly far from the park, but it was the only spot we found that was open all day and provided a solid connection. The WiFi was strong enough that we even managed to stream the World Cup!

JJs Cafe
13385 CA-89
Old Station, CA 96071

I wish we had discovered this joint earlier! JJs is a small cafe located in Old Station, just a few miles from the North entrance to the park. It’s a favorite spot for PCT-hikers, and they were friendly about us having our laptops open and taking our time with breakfast. The only downside is they close at 3pm on Monday and Tuesday. Otherwise, it was my favorite spot!

Where I Hiked:

Brokeoff Mountain
Distance: 6.6 miles
Time: ~4 hours
Elevation gain: 2542 ft

This trail is a fantastic way to Lassen Volcanic National Park! While most people opt for the park’s namesake, Lassen Peak, the ranger we spoke to recommended Brokeoff over Lassen for its spectacular views and diverse landscape. We passed through creeks, wildflowers, meadows, and dense forest. And we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lassen Peak at the top. This trail did take us a little longer than expected – give yourself plenty of time and bring lots of water.